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			SPRING FEVER Is Spring really coming? After being “cooped up” all winter long, the children are excited to get outside and play. We all feel a bit antsy this time of year and need strategies to help us relax. Our district has been teaching staff and families to do this through health realization and resiliency training. The goal of these sessions is to help staff, students, and families utilize inner strength for wellness through education and relaxation. Along with basic physical fitness, our minds need to be healthy as well. At the preschool level, we are focusing on strategies that teach children to calm down their bodies as well as their mouths and minds to get ready to learn. Please take a moment to read the following information and apply what is most helpful for you and your family. Sincerely, Merith Starren M.A., CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist 253-5828 ex. 5820 merith.starren@isd742.org CALM DOWN A room full of preschoolers can be busy! As teachers, we welcome a high level of excitement as it encourages learning. However, this level sometimes goes beyond a point where learning can take place. It is difficult to be receptive as a learner when our bodies and minds are spinning out of control. In many of our classrooms, we have begun using visual cues to help children slow themselves down, recognize that they are in control of their bodies and minds, and that it feels good to be calm. One of the favorite calming activities of the children is to pretend to be a big balloon. While sitting, raise your arms up high and take in a big breath. Slowly release this breath as you lower your hands, like a deflating balloon. Remain quiet and still for a few moments and comment on how good it feels to be calm. This activity has been especially helpful at group learning times such as story and circle, and after engaging in physical activity outside or in the gym. Our classrooms and lives are busy. Stop and take a deep breath once in a while!
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